Panel, assembly of panels and associated roofing

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a panel having a profile. The panel includes a first longitudinal edge including in succession a first longitudinal rib, a flange, and a second longitudinal rib. Each longitudinal rib includes an upper central part and two lateral wings. The panel also includes a central part and a second longitudinal edge including in succession a first lateral portion, a protruding part, and a second lateral portion. The lateral portions have a configuration permitting them to at least partially overlap the upper central parts of the first and second longitudinal ribs. The protruding part is capable of receiving a fastener. The present invention also provides an assembly of panels marginally overlapping, a roofing and a kit for fabrication of roofing.

This invention relates to a panel, more particularly designed to beassembled to permit construction of roofing for buildings bearing solarmodules, but not limited thereto.

BACKGROUND

In the prior art, roof coverings are fabricated with ribbed panels, forexample made of pre-painted galvanized steel, where the edges overlap toensure the roofing leaktightness.

The prior art in addition includes adding solar modules to the coveringof buildings, in particular photovoltaic modules, generally consistingof a frame bearing in particular photovoltaic cells.

These solar modules are secured to the roofing by means of a railfastened on the ribs of the panels, generally by means of U-clamps. Thisrail has the advantage of separating the solar module from the roofing,facilitating ventilation of the back side of the module. It also allowsfor securing variable-length solar modules to the roofing.

However, installing such a rail on-site is a real constraint. Handlingthe rails is not easy, and it takes time to position and fasten therails. In addition, fabrication of such an assembly should still permitmaking the covering of the building leaktight, which is not facilitatedby on-site assembly conditions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is provide an effective systemenabling easier fastening of the solar modules, good leaktightness ofthe roofing, as well as good ventilation for the back of the module.

An object of the present invention is to provide a panel having aprofile including a first longitudinal edge including, in succession, atleast one first longitudinal rib, a flange, and a second longitudinalrib, each of the longitudinal ribs comprising an upper central part andtwo lateral wings, a central part and a second longitudinal edgeincluding, in succession, a first lateral portion, a protruding part,and a second lateral portion, where the lateral portions have aconfiguration permitting them to at least partially overlap the uppercentral parts of the longitudinal ribs, where the protruding part iscapable of receiving a fastener.

The panel according to the invention can also include the followingoptional features, alone or in combination:

-   -   the panel is made of a shaped metal plate,    -   the first lateral portion is joined to the central part of the        panel by means of a connecting member for which the shape at        least partially fits closely the shape of the first longitudinal        rib,    -   the connecting member comprises a plate identical in shape and        dimensions to the protruding part,    -   the first lateral portion, or the aforementioned second lateral        portion, is at least partially of the same shape and roughly at        the same height as the upper central part of the first        longitudinal rib, or the second longitudinal rib, where the        spacing between the lateral portions is roughly comparable to        the spacing between the upper central parts of the longitudinal        ribs,    -   the central parts of the longitudinal ribs have the same shape        and are located at the same height,    -   the first longitudinal edge includes a succession of three        longitudinal ribs separated respectively by a flange, where the        spacing between the upper central parts of the longitudinal ribs        is constant.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an assembly bymarginal overlap of at least two panels according to the invention, forwhich the first longitudinal edge of a first panel is overlapped atleast partially by the second longitudinal edge of the other panel tomake a closed space forming a channel in the longitudinal direction ofthe first panel. The closed space is delimited on the one hand, for thefirst panel, by the lateral wings of two successive longitudinal ribsand by the flange separating them, and on the other hand, for the otherpanel, by the protruding part.

The assembly according to the present invention can also include thefollowing optional feature:

-   -   the panels are secured by means of fasteners at the overlap of        the lateral portions and the upper central parts of the        longitudinal ribs.

A further object of the present invention is to provide roofingcomprising an assembly according to the invention for which at least onesolar module is fastened directly on the protruding parts.

The present invention also provides a kit for fabrication of the roofingaccording to the invention, including at least two panels according tothe invention, fastening means permitting the panels to be fastened tothe roofing, at least one solar module and fastening means permittingthe solar module to be fastened to the protruding parts of the panels.Optionally, U-clamps making it easier to hold the solar module in placeon the protruding parts may be included.

The present invention provides for eliminating use of a fastening railand modifying the profile of the panel so that marginal overlap of twoadjacent panels forms a leaktight chamber to which the solar module canbe directly fastened.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be better understood on reading thedescription below, given as a non-limiting explanatory example,referring to the appended figures in which:

FIG. 1a shows a first example of a panel according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 1b shows a detail of assembly by marginal overlap of two panelsaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 1c shows a detail for roofing of a building according to thepresent invention, bearing solar modules;

FIG. 2a shows a second example of a panel according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 2b shows a first embodiment of assembly by marginal overlap of twopanels according to the present invention; and

FIG. 2c shows a second embodiment of assembly by marginal overlap of twopanels according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The same reference numbers represent the same elements in each of thefigures.

Throughout the text, by panel we mean a flat-shaped element, i.e., withthickness that is small compared with its other dimensions. The panelcan be in the form of a plate or a sheet and be a single material or acomposite assembly. In the latter case, the panel is a superposition ofseveral layers of the same material or different materials. The materialin question can be, for example, a metallic, polymer, or ceramicmaterial. Non-limiting examples include steel, aluminum, copper, andzinc metallic materials. The panel is preferably a metal plate. It ispreferably steel that has been pre-galvanized and pre-painted to protectagainst corrosion. The panel can optionally be foamed.

Within the context of the present invention, the panel will have beenpre-shaped by means of any known shaping process, among whichnon-limiting examples include bending, forming, stamping, and molding.

This shaping leads in particular to formation of ribs on the panelsurface. Throughout the text, by rib we mean a protrusion formed on thepanel surface. The rib can have a trapezoidal shape, as in the case ofthe exemplary embodiments presented below, or a rectangular, wavy,sinusoidal, or even omega shape, for example. The rib comprises an uppercentral part and two lateral wings.

We describe an example of a panel according to the present invention,referring to FIGS. 1 a, 1 b, and 1 c.

Panel 1 is shown here in transverse cross sectional view. A firstlongitudinal edge of panel 1 comprises in succession a firstlongitudinal rib 2, a flange 3, and a second longitudinal rib 2′. Eachof the ribs comprises an upper central part 4 and two lateral wings 5,5′ extending central part 4 on both sides of the latter. In the case ofthis example, upper central part 4 is flat and lateral wings 5, 5′ aresloping, extending downward and outward from upper central part 4.

Within the context of the invention, ribs 2, 2′ can of course have othershapes than that described in the case of this example. Rib 2 can alsohave a shape different from rib 2′ and/or can have an upper central part4 located at a height different from that of rib 2′. In addition,lateral wing 5′ of longitudinal rib 2 can be truncated (as in the caseof FIG. 1a ) or not, depending on the mechanical resistance expected forthis part of the panel.

The second longitudinal edge of panel 1 includes in succession a firstlateral portion 7, a protruding part 8, and a second lateral part 7′,where the first lateral portion 7 is joined to central part 6 of panel 1by means of connecting member 9.

In the case of this example, protruding part 8 has a shape comparable tolongitudinal ribs 2, 2′. However, other shapes are of course possible,among which non-limiting examples include rectangular, curvilinear, andsinusoidal shapes. Protruding part 8 just must be capable of receiving afastener such as a self-tapping screw, for example.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 b, lateral portions 7, 7′ have a configurationallowing them to at least partially overlap upper central parts 4 oflongitudinal ribs 2, 2′ during assembly by marginal overlapping of twopanels 1, i.e., when the first longitudinal edge of the first panel isat least partially overlapped by the second longitudinal edge of theother panel. By configuration, here we include the following features:the shape of these lateral portions, the height of the lateral portionscompared to central part 6 of the panel, and the spacing of the lateralportions.

In the case of this example, the lateral portions are flat like theupper central parts of the ribs, have a spacing comparable to thespacing between those same upper central parts, and are located in aplane slightly above the plane formed by those same upper central partsin order to allow for overlapping.

However, within the context of the invention, where rib 2 can have ashape different from that of rib 2′ and/or can have an upper centralpart 4 located at a height different from that of rib 2′, the sameapplies to lateral portions 7, 7′. In this embodiment of the panelaccording to the present invention, in order to allow for assembly oftwo adjacent panels, the first lateral portion 7, respectively thesecond lateral portion 7′, just must be at least partially of the sameshape and roughly at the same height as upper central part 4 oflongitudinal rib 2, respectively 2′. The spacing between the two lateralportions 7, 7′ also must be roughly comparable to the spacing betweenupper central parts 4 of longitudinal ribs 2, 2′.

The overlap of upper central parts 4 by lateral portions 7, 7′ should besufficient to allow for securing two panels 1 to each other and/or tobuilding structure 10 by means of fasteners 11, 11′, such asself-drilling or self-tapping screws or even pop rivets, for example.Fasteners 11, 11′ are indeed located at the level of upper central parts4 and lateral portions 7, 7′ and not in the lower part of the panel, inorder to avoid stagnation of water in their vicinity and thus possiblefailure of the leaktightness of the roofing.

Preferably and always with a view toward leaktightness of the roofing,the second lateral portion 7′ includes flashing 12 partially overlappinglateral wing 5 of longitudinal rib 2′ of the adjacent panel.

Preferably connecting member 9 closely fits the shape of lateral wing 5′of longitudinal rib 2, in order to facilitate overlap and to stiffenthis portion of the panel. However, other shapes for connecting member 9are possible, depending on the desired aesthetics.

By assembly by marginal overlap of two adjacent panels, the assemblyformed on the one hand by the lateral wings of two longitudinal ribs 2,2′ and flange 3 of one panel 1 and on the other hand by protruding part8 of the adjacent panel delimits a closed space 13, forming a channel inthe longitudinal direction of panel 1.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 c, solar modules 14 can be fastened directly toprotruding part 8, preferably by means of fasteners 15, 15′, such asself-drilling screws, without using a rail. Optional U-clamps 16 canfacilitate holding modules 14 in place on protruding part 8.

Preferably protruding part 8 will be high enough so that the frame ofthe solar module, placed on this same protruding part, will not be ableto bump up against fasteners 11, 11′. The height of the protruding partwill also be adjusted to achieve sufficient stiffness of this portion ofthe panel, so that the latter resists loading and mechanical stressesgenerated, for example, by wind or the presence of someone on the roof.

An assembly such as that presented in FIG. 1c helps to ensureleaktightness of the roofing. Indeed, in case of failed leaktightness offasteners 15, 15′, the water flowing over the roof and penetrating tothe level of these fasteners will be collected in the closed space orchannel 13 and drained outward from the roofing by water flowing in thechannel. The roofing thus remains leaktight.

Such an assembly also makes it possible to maintain good ventilation forthe back side of the module, where the latter is sufficiently far awayfrom central part 6 of the panel.

Such an assembly also makes it possible to facilitate electrical wiringof solar modules. Indeed, in the case of an assembly according to theprior art, an entire side of the frame of the solar module rests on therail, which prevents passage of electrical wires at this level unlessholes are made in the rail. In the context of the invention, the frameof the solar module does not rest on protruding part 8 except at points.Therefore it is easy to pass electric wires between protruding part 8and the back side of the solar module.

In the case of this example, panel 1 in addition includes other ribs incentral part 6. These ribs have an aesthetic function and/or stiffen thepanel.

We now describe a second example of a panel according to the invention,referring to FIGS. 2a, 2b , and 2 c.

Referring to FIG. 2a , a first longitudinal edge comprises a successionof three longitudinal ribs 2, 2′, 2″ separated by a flange 3, or 3′.Each rib comprises an upper central part 4 and two lateral wings 5, 5′extending central part 4 on both sides of the latter. The secondlongitudinal edge of panel 1 comprises a protruding part 8 and twolateral portions 7, 7′ located on both sides of protruding part 8. Inthe case of this example, connecting member 9, connecting the firstlateral portion 7 to central part 6 of panel 1, was modified to permitassembly by marginal overlap of two panels as illustrated in FIGS. 2band 2c . It comprises in succession a first plate 17, a rib 18, and asecond plate 17′.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2b and 2c , the two lateral portions 7, 7′ of afirst panel alternately overlap at least partially: either upper centralparts 4 of ribs 2 and 2′ of the adjacent panel, or upper central parts 4of ribs 2′ and 2″ of the adjacent panel. In the latter case, connectingmember 9 at least partially fits closely the shape of rib 2 of theadjacent panel which it overlaps.

Channel 13 formed in this way is alternately delimited by: either theassembly formed on the one hand by the lateral wings of two longitudinalribs 2, 2′ and flange 3 of a panel 1 and on the other hand by protrudingpart 8 of the adjacent panel or the assembly formed on the one hand bythe lateral wings of two longitudinal ribs 2′, 2″ and flange 3′ of apanel 1 and on the other hand by protruding part 8 of the adjacentpanel.

Such an alternative offers the additional advantage of enablingmodification of the spacing between two successive protruding parts 8,or in other words the distances between the 2 fastening points for asolar module resting on the roofing. This feature is important becausesolar modules are of variable dimensions and the panels generallydesigned for construction of roofing for buildings bearing solar modulesare compatible with only a very limited number of solar modules. Withthe possibility of modifying the spacing between two successiveprotruding parts, the panel according to the invention becomescompatible with even more solar modules.

This feature permits limiting the number of different panels in thecatalog and makes inventory management easier. The spacing between twoprotruding parts 8 is adjusted directly at the time of installation,depending on the solar module selected by the customer.

However, in the case of this embodiment of the invention and in order tomake possible such alternation in the respective position of twoadjacent panels, upper central parts 4 of successive ribs 2, 2′, 2″ musthave identical shape and height as well as constant spacing betweenthem.

Lateral wing 5′ of longitudinal rib 2 in this embodiment of theinvention preferably includes a supporting foot 19, as illustrated inFIG. 2a . This foot makes it possible to better withstand the load of asolar module fastened to protruding part 8 and to thus avoid possiblesagging of this part of panel 1 in case of a heavy load or mechanicalstress on the roofing, in particular in case of overlap according toFIG. 2 b.

In the case of this example, connecting member 9 comprises in successiona first plate 17, a rib 18, and a second plate 17′. Rib 18 preferablyhas the same shape as rib 2, except for the two lateral wings which areshorter. The first plate 17 makes it possible to separate connectingmember 9 from supporting foot 19 of the panel that it overlaps, and tothus facilitate overlap of two successive panels, in particular in thecase of overlap as in FIG. 2c . The second plate 17′ preferably has asize and shape such that it can partially overlap the trough of the waveformed by the succession of two longitudinal ribs 2, 2′ during assemblyof two panels as presented in FIG. 2c . This shape for the connectingmember makes it possible to minimize the amount of material used whilemaintaining good stiffness of the assembly.

Alternatively, the second plate 17′ can have shape and dimensionsidentical to those of protruding part 8. Thus during assembly bymarginal overlap of two panels as presented in FIG. 2c , two parallelchannels 13 are formed. Therefore solar module 14 can be fastened toeither one of the channels, which offers more flexibility in fabricationof the roofing and permits further adjustment of the roofing to thedimensions of the solar modules.

Here we are limited to a succession of 3 longitudinal ribs in order toachieve two possible spacings between two successive protruding parts.Alternatively, we could adjust the number of successive longitudinalribs in order to adjust the number of possible spacings. The shape ofconnecting member 9 may be modified accordingly.

What is claimed is:
 1. A panel having a profile comprising: a firstlongitudinal edge comprising at least two longitudinal ribs insuccession with a flange separating successive longitudinal ribs, whereeach of the at least two longitudinal ribs includes an upper centralpart and two lateral wings, the at least two longitudinal ribs formingprotrusions above a surface of the panel; a central part; and a secondlongitudinal edge comprising in succession a first lateral portion, aprotruding part, and a second lateral portion, the protruding partprotruding above the first and second lateral portions; the firstlateral portion or the second lateral portion being at least partiallyof a same shape and at a corresponding height as the upper central partof one of the at least two longitudinal ribs, the spacing between thelateral portions corresponding to a spacing between the upper centralparts of the at least two longitudinal ribs so the first and secondlateral portions are configured to at least partially overlap uppercentral parts of at least two longitudinal ribs of an adjacent panel,the protruding part being capable of receiving a fastener.
 2. The panelaccording to claim 1 wherein the upper central parts of the at least twolongitudinal ribs are above a plane of the flange.
 3. The panelaccording to claim 1 wherein the at least two longitudinal ribs have atrapezoidal, rectangular, wavy, sinusoidal or omega shape.
 4. The panelaccording to claim 3 wherein the at least two longitudinal ribs have atrapezoidal shape.
 5. The panel according to claim 1 wherein the firstlongitudinal edge includes in succession a further longitudinal ribseparated from one of the at least two longitudinal ribs by a furtherflange.
 6. The panel according to claim 1, wherein the first and secondlateral portions each receive a fastener.
 7. The panel according toclaim 6, wherein the protruding part is at a height above a height ofthe fasteners in the first and second lateral portions.
 8. The panelaccording to claim 1, wherein the protruding part protrudes above aheight of the at least two longitudinal ribs.
 9. The panel according toclaim 1, wherein a spacing between the lateral portions corresponds to aspacing between the upper central parts of the at least two longitudinalribs.
 10. A panel having a profile comprising: a first longitudinal edgecomprising at least two longitudinal ribs in succession with a flangeseparating successive longitudinal ribs, where each of the at least twolongitudinal ribs includes an upper central part and two lateral wings,the at least two longitudinal ribs forming protrusions above a surfaceof the panel, the upper central parts of the at least two longitudinalribs have a same shape and are located at a same height; a central part;and a second longitudinal edge comprising in succession a first lateralportion, a protruding part, and a second lateral portion, the protrudingpart protruding above the first and second lateral portions; the firstand second lateral portions being configured to at least partiallyoverlap upper central parts of at least two longitudinal ribs of anadjacent panel; the protruding part being capable of receiving afastener; wherein the first longitudinal edge includes in succession athird longitudinal rib including an upper central part and two lateralwings separated respectively by a further flange, the spacing betweenupper central parts of the at least two and third longitudinal ribsbeing constant.
 11. An assembly comprising: at least two panels at leastmarginally overlapping each other, each panel having a profilecomprising: a first longitudinal edge comprising at least twolongitudinal ribs in succession with a flange separating successivelongitudinal ribs, where each of the at least two longitudinal ribsincludes an upper central part and two lateral wings, the at least twolongitudinal ribs forming protrusions above a surface of the panel; acentral part; and a second longitudinal edge comprising in succession afirst lateral portion, a protruding part, and a second lateral portion,the protruding part protruding above the first and second lateralportions; the first and second lateral portions being configured to atleast partially overlap upper central parts of at least two longitudinalribs of an adjacent panel, the protruding part being capable ofreceiving a fastener, the first longitudinal edge of a first panel ofthe at least two panels being at least partially overlapped by a secondlongitudinal edge of a second panel of the at least two panels to make aclosed space forming a channel in a longitudinal direction of the firstpanel, the closed space being delimited, for the first panel, by lateralwings of two of the at least two successive longitudinal ribs and by theflange separating them, and for the second panel, by the protrudingpart.
 12. The assembly according to claim 11, wherein the first andsecond panels are secured by fasteners at the overlap of the lateralportions of the second panel and upper central parts of two of the atleast two longitudinal ribs of the first panel.
 13. The assemblyaccording to claim 12 wherein a height of the protruding part is above aheight of the fasteners.
 14. The assembly according to claim 11 whereinthe second lateral portion of the second panel includes flashingoverlapping a lateral wing of the first panel.
 15. A roofing comprising:an assembly according to claim 11; and at least one solar modulefastened directly onto the protruding parts of the at least two panels.16. A kit for fabrication of roofing comprising: at least two panelsaccording to claim 1; a fastener enabling fastening of the at least twopanels on the roofing; and at least one solar module; the fastenerenabling fastening of the at least one solar module on the protrudingparts of the at least two panels.
 17. The kit as recited in claim 16further comprising U-clamps holding the at least one solar module inplace on the protruding parts.
 18. A panel having a profile comprising:a first longitudinal edge comprising at least two longitudinal ribs insuccession with a flange separating successive longitudinal ribs, whereeach of the at least two longitudinal ribs includes an upper centralpart and two lateral wings, the at least two longitudinal ribs formingprotrusions above a surface of the panel; a central part; and a secondlongitudinal edge comprising in succession a first lateral portion, aprotruding part, and a second lateral portion, the protruding partprotruding above the first and second lateral portions; the first andsecond lateral portions being configured to at least partially overlapupper central parts of at least two longitudinal ribs of an adjacentpanel, the protruding part being capable of receiving a fastener,wherein the first and second lateral portions are located above a planeformed by the upper central portions of the at least two longitudinalribs.
 19. The assembly comprising: at least two panels according toclaim 5 at least marginally overlapping each other; the firstlongitudinal edge of a first panel of the at least two panels being atleast partially overlapped by a second longitudinal edge of a secondpanel of the at least two panels to make a closed space forming achannel in a longitudinal direction of the first panel, the closed spacebeing delimited, for the first panel, by lateral wings of two of thesuccessive longitudinal ribs and by the flange separating them, and forthe second panel, by the protruding part.
 20. A panel having a profilecomprising: a first longitudinal edge comprising at least twolongitudinal ribs in succession with a flange separating successivelongitudinal ribs, where each of the at least two longitudinal ribsincludes an upper central part and two lateral wings, the at least twolongitudinal ribs forming protrusions above a surface of the panel; acentral part; and a second longitudinal edge comprising in succession afirst lateral portion, a protruding part, and a second lateral portion,the protruding part protruding above the first and second lateralportions; the first and second lateral portions being configured to atleast partially overlap upper central parts of at least two longitudinalribs of an adjacent panel, the protruding part being capable ofreceiving a fastener, the first and second lateral portions eachreceiving a fastener.
 21. The panel according to claim 20, wherein theprotruding part is at a height above a height of the fasteners in thefirst and second lateral portions.
 22. A panel having a profilecomprising: a first longitudinal edge comprising at least twolongitudinal ribs in succession with a flange separating successivelongitudinal ribs, where each of the at least two longitudinal ribsincludes an upper central part and two lateral wings, the at least twolongitudinal ribs forming protrusions above a surface of the panel; acentral part; and a second longitudinal edge comprising in succession afirst lateral portion, a protruding part, and a second lateral portion,the protruding part protruding above the first and second lateralportions; the first and second lateral portions being configured to atleast partially overlap upper central parts of at least two longitudinalribs of an adjacent panel, the protruding part being capable ofreceiving a fastener, the protruding part protruding above a height ofthe at least two longitudinal ribs.
 23. A panel having a profilecomprising: a first longitudinal edge comprising at least twolongitudinal ribs in succession with a flange separating successivelongitudinal ribs, where each of the at least two longitudinal ribsincludes an upper central part and two lateral wings, the at least twolongitudinal ribs forming protrusions above a surface of the panel; acentral part; and a second longitudinal edge comprising in succession afirst lateral portion, a protruding part, and a second lateral portion,the protruding part protruding above the first and second lateralportions; the first and second lateral portions being configured to atleast partially overlap upper central parts of at least two longitudinalribs of an adjacent panel, the protruding part being capable ofreceiving a fastener, a spacing between the lateral portionscorresponding to a spacing between the upper central parts of the atleast two longitudinal ribs.